Johnson Demands Immediate IG Investigation and Calls on Social Security Commissioner to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Failed IT Project

Washington, DC - Today, Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX) sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Inspector General Patrick O’Carroll requesting a full and immediate investigation into the SSA’s mismanagement and failed implementation of the $300 million Disability Case Processing System (DCPS). Johnson also sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Carolyn Colvin, calling for her to stop further spending on the implementation of the DCPS.

“All Americans should be outraged that Social Security has wasted $300 million on a failed IT project. I’ve asked the Inspector General to conduct an immediate investigation to get to the bottom of this and to find out why Social Security tried to hide this from the American people and Congress. Social Security needs to stop spending - right now - until we get answers,” said Johnson.

After spending $300 million on the project over the last six years, the SSA’s own independent contractor found that the system has “delivered limited functionality, and faced schedule delays as well as increasing stakeholder concerns.” Other findings include poor execution, a growing backlog of problems, and a lengthy, expensive, and incomplete design phase.

Excerpts from Johnson’s letter to Acting Commissioner of Social Security, Carolyn Colvin:

“Until such time that you can provide this Subcommittee with your plan to address these issues, ensure a timely and effective roll out of DCPS, and provide your assurances that no further taxpayer dollars will be wasted, I urge you to stop further spending on the implementation of this out of control project."